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ELC Boston
ELC - English Language Center Boston
Student Spotlight Daniel Weidemann November 27th, 2017

Danny has been studying at ELC Boston for five weeks.  Back home in Switzerland, he’s not in school at the moment but is working for the Swiss army.  Many of their missions are international and Danny wants to improve his English in order to work with his international peers in Kosovo next year.  Danny chose to come to Boston because of the city’s size, history and architecture.  He’s been very pleased with his choice and has been enjoying his time here.

In terms of your experience at ELC in particular and Boston in general, what do you feel most proud of?

I came to Boston to study English from Americans.  I really feel that my English has improved in the time that I’ve been here.  I have a better understanding of conditionals.  I’m trying to use them in conversation.  It’s not easy but I’m still trying.

What has been the best activity you participated in and why?

I’ve enjoyed so many ELC activities!  But, my favorite so far was decorating the school for Halloween.  It started as “Hot cocoa and Conversation”. A lot of people joined us and we all worked together to decorate the school.  It doesn’t sound like much, but it was a lot of fun.

I also enjoyed going out to try oysters with the school.  I’d never eaten them before. I thought, “why not?”.  I’m not sure but I think I’m going to like them.  Maybe I’ll get a taste for them in the future.

What teacher at ELC made the most impact on you and why?

That’s a really difficult question.  I can’t say just one.  I have learned so much from Matt.  He’s really professional, knows what to say and how to teach it. Whenever I leave his class I feel like I’ve learned a lot.

The other teacher is Timothy.  He’s a great teacher but in a different way from Matt. He knows how to get the students talking.  Once we start, he can keep the conversation flowing.  I think this is why my communications class is so awesome.

Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?

My orange juice every morning.  Every day I drink two small bottles.  Not one big bottle, because that’s too big.

What are your hobbies?

I like to swim and do sports.  I haven’t done so many sports while I’ve been here, but I’d like to do some more here. I really enjoy being outside.  At home I have a motorcycle and I like riding and being outside in the summer.

What is your favorite english word?

My favorite word is ‘mandatory’.  Before, when people would ask me about military service in Switzerland, I would always say – “this is a must”.  I always forgot ‘mandatory’.  Since I’ve been here, I’ve used it enough and now I can remember it.

What is your favorite American food/place?

I don’t really have a favorite place but I really enjoy my host dad’s cooking. Frank is awesome.  I was a little bit afraid before I came to the US, everybody warned me about the food.  That it’s not the same as we have.  I was really surprised when I got to their house.  It’s always a pleasure to see him cooking.  He changes it a lot with vegetables, meat, and seafood.  It’s amazing.

What would your advice be to an incoming ELC student?

First I would say be open. Don’t be shy to make some mistakes, everybody makes mistakes. Don’t worry, you just need to speak.  It’s also useful to sign up for some activities with other students and teachers.  It helps you calm down and lose your shyness.

What does the future look like for you?

I have a new mission that starts in April.  I start my training in January until April.  From April to October I’ll be on the mission in Kosovo.  After that I want to go back to school and study political science.